How many islands in Goa can call their land a haven of green farms? Divar certainly can and they proudly showcase the rich bounty of their harvest at the Bonderam festival. Just a ferry ride away from the capital city of Panjim, Divar dons a colourful look with flags and decorations marking the festival, originally celebrated by the farmers, who took great pride in their traditional occupation. This pride still continues as the love of their forefathers is alive through Bonderam which will be celebrated this Saturday, August 19, from 11 am onwards.
Much before the actual festival day, the island is already abuzz on what to offer the audience that pours onto the island on Bonderam. And what is interesting is that the youngsters as well as elders on the island show the same enthusiasm to prepare for the one day event. Also many Divadkars who work and live abroad, make it a point to plan their annual holidays around Bonderam every year. No matter how far, the people of Divar might be living, they are always home for Bonderam, filling their homes with stories and laughter.
This Saturday, the historic St Mathias Sports Club will present the Malar Traditional Bonderam Fest, an age-old harvest festival that has stood the test of time for over four hundred years. At 11 am, the fest will kick off with ‘Millet, Mollan and Music Fest’, a captivating blend of tradition and modernity as the Goa College of Agriculture, Ela, Old Goa, will present a workshop on millets. The Goencho Festakar team collaborates with the St Mathias Sports Club committee to present an engaging mini fest. Attendees can participate in workshops on Mollam, Rotessão, Tizaan, and music by Malarchim Motiem. The talented musician sons and daughters of the village are Clancy Monteiro on the violin, Mark Afonso on trumpet/ guitar, Lucius De Almeida on guitar/ Ghumot/ drums and Myron Afonso on the keyboard.
Bonderachem Jevonn will be served from 12 pm onwards to tickle the taste buds with a delightful spread of Goan traditional delicacies, kismoor, Chana Ross, Solkadi, Soji, prawns curry, local Bhaji, Goan rice, etc. thoughtfully prepared by the talented culinary team from the village. Festival participants will have a chance to savour the authentic flavours that have been cherished for generations.
Festakar Marius Fernandes, originally from the island of Divar has curated a Heritage Walk. “Bonderam is very exciting as this year women have taken initiative to bring the Bonderam into this century. There has been a huge response of young villagers who have volunteered embark on a captivating journey through time with the Heritage Walk curated by Marius Fernandes in collaboration with the Goencho Festakar team. The walk will wind through the picturesque streets of Amboi, Goddar, Belsur, and Church Vaddo, offering insights into the fascinating history of the region. The streets will come alive with street plays, skits, traditional Goan sweets, and the mesmerizing sounds of a Brass band and flag March Past, starting at the iconic St. Mathias Church.
The music will continue with Konkani Kantaram by Seby de Divar at 3.30 pm as he enthral Konkani music lovers with his songs. Next, be part of the exciting coconut breaking competition followed by a colourful fancy dress near the Malar Flag post.
From 4:30 pm onwards, the festival will be even more vibrant as festival goers will witness street parades and themed floats that tell the tales of the ages. DJ McAttack will set the dance floor on fire before the headlining performance takes the stage. True Blue band will be the closing act that will leave the audience with an entertaining musical experience. The event will be hosted by the charismatic RJ Joe Almeida.
“Bonderam is meant to be celebrated in a traditional way because many events nowadays are under pressure for commercialisation. Hence, as a part of Sao Mathias Sports Club Committee, we are consciously trying to build the foundations of this festival on inclusive traditions. The benefit of this is that the younger generation is incrementally gaining from this when all around them there is modern influences. This creates a strong sense of identity of what it means to be a Goan in the younger generation. This is actually learning in a fun and creative way of their heritage and culture,” says Remy Almeida, treasurer of Sao Mathias Sports Club Committee.
As traditions will be followed the next day too, the feast of Novidade, blessing of the new harvest will be held with a procession of villagers carrying the statue of St Mathias holding a silver sickle in his hand. They will march to the paddy fields where the parish priest will bless the new harvest and cut a few sheaves which will be later distributed among the parishioners.
